Mosaic Articles

Slate flooring is possibly the most beautiful type of flooring anyone could use in their home. This type of flooring should not be installed by an amateur though due to the fact that there is a certain way it needs to be installed. Slate flooring is extremely affordable and is a natural material because it is real rock that has been taken from the earth. Slate is made of mica, chlorite, quartz, calcite, and many other different types of natural material. Slate is usually formed and found in riverbeds that has been forming for millions of years. This beautiful natural material comes in many different colors and vary in density and size.

Slate flooring is perfect for indoors or outdoors and is very durable as long as it is installed correctly. The reason why correct installation is so important is because when slate forms its formation is layered and may split or crack easily. The splitting or cracking would not happen overnight or maybe not even for decades, but it may happen. The slate flooring should also be installed over top of sub flooring. If installing outside then the sub flooring could be sand. If the flooring is installed indoors then it should be installed over top of plywood.

There are tons and tons of different types of slate that could be used for flooring. The different types of slate are determined by its color, shape, texture, size, and thickness. Slate comes in a huge variety of colors such as brown, green, red, white, gray, purple, black, gold, and even pink. One of the best qualities of this type of flooring is that it can even be found in multiple colors and give a mottled look to the stone. Slate flooring is usually always either square of rectangular and can be bought as stained or glazed.

Caring for slate flooring is easily tackled by simply using a soapy water and a mop. It is not recommended to use any cleaners that have alkaline in it because it may give the slate a dull or altered look. There are also special types of cleaning solutions that may be purchased specifically for slate. Waxing slate flooring once a year helps to maintain its beauty also. When you have your slate flooring installed you should receive a maintenance guide that will give you easy to use instructions to care for the flooring properly.

Slate tiles are becoming increasingly more popular chosen by home owners who are looking for that unique, natural, rustic look. Slate is made from a metamorphic rock that is found in abundance around the world. The tiles come in various natural colors.
Gray, red, blue, orange or brown are some of the most requested colors. With slate tiles because they are natural, you must be prepared for some color variance among the tiles you purchase. The advantage of the color variations is that there will be no two slate tiles floor that will be the same. With its rough surface it creates a natural non-slip surface. Even when wet or greasy, a non-slip surface will prevail and help prevent accidental slipping and falling.

Slate tiles, also known as a natural stones, can be a little difficult to install. They can be purchased in a standard square cut or they can be purchased in a nonstandard cut. Uneven cuts and gauging, gives it that natural look a homeowner may want, but can require to need a professional installer to help in the layout and laying the tile. Unlike regular tiles with each one cut exactly like, slate tiles are not always like each other. One may be thicker than the next one. One could be longer than wide, while the next one wider than long. It does take some planning and organization to make sure it goes in correctly.

Slate tiles can be used indoors and outdoors. They are perfect when building an outdoor kitchen or fire pit. The tiles are easily cleaned and able to maintain. Usually they have to be swept daily and mopped every couple of weeks. It is very stain resistant and cleaning usually just entails a rag to wipe the liquid up. Most stain can be cleaned with a bucket of water with a mild soap. It is fire resistant, environmentally friendly and very durable, lasting a long time under normal wear and tear. Slate is very thermal resistance. Slate tiles can be used to keep rooms warm in the winter and cool during the summer.